Looking Back on 20 Years of Friendship and Our Future as Private Practice Owners

May 28

An Interview with SLP, Ali Manahan

Owner of Word Play Speech Therapy LLC in O’Fallon, Missouri

A Journey Through Two Decades of Friendship

Our story begins over 20 years ago when Ali and I first met, long before either of us imagined becoming private practice owners. Since then, we’ve both gone on to earn our degrees, complete our certifications, and find our place in the world of speech-language pathology (SLP). For Ali, her passion shines through her work at Word Play Speech Therapy, where she focuses on empowering families to support their child’s speech and language development. Through our years of friendship, we’ve supported each other’s growth and built a network of mutual encouragement—a cornerstone for navigating the challenges of private practice.

Transitioning to Private Practice: Challenges and Rewards

Moving into private practice wasn’t a straightforward journey for either of us, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Ali and I discuss how we made this leap and the factors that drove us toward autonomy and greater flexibility. We’re both passionate about delivering care in ways that are personal and tailored to each family’s unique needs, which private practice allows us to do more effectively. Ali shares how she uses play-based techniques and sensory materials in her sessions, emphasizing that therapy can—and should—be both effective and enjoyable for the client.

Teletherapy’s Impact on SLPs

Teletherapy is one of the biggest changes to our field since we started. The pandemic accelerated teletherapy adoption, pushing us to adapt our techniques and tools to a virtual setting. While we encountered the expected connectivity and tech challenges, teletherapy opened new possibilities for connecting with families from different locations, ultimately making services more accessible.

We also found that teletherapy offers unique flexibility in our work schedules, making work-life balance much easier. As we discussed, teletherapy can reduce travel time, ease scheduling, and even allow for some comfort in the form of pets popping into virtual sessions. For us, these are some of the perks that make teletherapy a great option for families and SLPs alike.

Introducing WordPlay Boxes: Empowering Families through Play

One of Ali’s most creative contributions to the SLP world is her WordPlay Boxes, a hands-on tool designed to bring language and play into the home. These boxes are packed with sensory materials and activities to help families engage in speech and language exercises outside of therapy sessions. Ali designed the WordPlay Boxes with early childhood development in mind, making them an invaluable resource for any parent looking to support their child’s communication skills in a fun and practical way. They’re not only effective in therapy but also a creative way for families to be involved in the therapeutic process.

Advice for New SLPs and Graduate Students

Throughout the episode, Ali and I discuss the importance of building a support network and finding mentorship in the field. For new SLPs or graduate students, the journey can feel overwhelming, and imposter syndrome is something many of us have experienced. Ali shares that growth happens through experience and connection.

One of the best ways to learn in this field is to connect with other professionals and share resources, insights, and ideas. Whether through virtual meetups or social media groups, community support can make a big difference, especially for those entering teletherapy for the first time.

The Future of Teletherapy: Asynchronous Methods and Beyond

As we look to the future of teletherapy, we’re excited about the possibilities for growth and expansion. Asynchronous therapy, where clients can work on skills through pre-recorded sessions or materials at their own pace, is an untapped area with a lot of potential. We believe that the future of teletherapy will offer even more options to make speech therapy accessible, engaging, and adaptable to every family’s needs.

Takeaways from Our Conversation

Here are a few of the main takeaways from our conversation that we hope will resonate with fellow SLPs, graduate students, and anyone interested in teletherapy:

Community support is invaluable for SLPs, especially those working remotely or in private practice.
Creative resources like WordPlay Boxes can make therapy sessions more engaging for young clients.
Flexibility and adaptability are essential in teletherapy, helping us balance our professional and personal lives.
Continuous learning and growth keep our work fresh and rewarding, especially as we explore new methods like asynchronous therapy.

Whether you’re a seasoned SLP or just beginning your journey in speech therapy, we hope you found inspiration and practical insights from this episode’s conversation. Teletherapy has changed the way we practice, and with supportive tools, a creative approach, and a strong community, there are endless possibilities to make a difference in the lives of families and children.

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to check out the full episode of The Essential Teletherapist Podcast for more tips, stories, and professional insights.

Ali’s Website: www.wordplayspeechtherapy.com

Ali’s Instagram: word.play.speech.therapy

Ali’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordplayspeechtherapyllc

Ali’s Teletherapy tip: Find a book on YouTube, pause it at the beginning and click through the video with your arrow key to turn the pages. Now you can read it to your clients on your time!